AYV News, August 26, 2024
The Sierra Leone Police have revealed plans to transform from a Police Force to a Police Service.
The decision came against the backdrop that the transformation would be of great help to winning public’s trust and confidence; given that the latter is skewed towards people-centred policing.
The Force said subsequent engagements identified possible areas of intervention to actualise the process and eventual transformation. These, among others, include development and endorsement of the road map for the transition from a force to a service; review of the Police Act 1964 and other relevant laws; development of the Sierra Leone Police Service Strategic Plan 2025-2029; digitalising the police registry to enhance efficiency of records and staff management; adoption and implementation of systems for achieving 30% women in the management and cadres in line with the GEWE Act 2022; establish e-case management system and train relevant personnel; review of curriculum and training; local needs policing scheme; strategic communication; and capacity strengthening for oversight institutions.
The Police said its management’s trip to Ghana recently was a benchmark mission so that the Sierra Leone Police can learn from the experience of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) on their transition from Force to Service.
They said in Ghana, the delegation visited the UNDP Ghana Office, Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Ministry for the Interior and the Ghana Police Service Headquarters, adding that the briefing sessions were centered on: Reform of the relevant legal/statutory instruments, police accountability, rule of law and respect for human rights, community policing, police operations, digital records management, case management system and funding and welfare of personnel.
The UNDP will support the implementation of activities in the identified intervention areas, which are categorised as short term, medium term and long term.
As next steps, there will be a development of a road map for the transition process; setting up a national advisory committee for strategic direction of the transition process; setting up experts reference group to provide technical advice for the transition; and development of strategic plan 2025-2029.
As immediate steps, there will be a review of the Police Act, which is ongoing; engaging personnel with the view to conscientise and orientate them; working with relevant MDAs; seeking cabinet approval for the transformation and possible parliamentary ratification of the reformation and relevant legal instruments.
